PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Xeon L5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,659 points. Launch price was $200.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon L5640

#545

Xeon Platinum 8592+

MSRP: $11600|Avg: $11600

155%

#546

Xeon Platinum 8562Y+

MSRP: $5945|Avg: $7000

153%

#547

Opteron 4386

MSRP: $459|Avg: $459

152%

#548

Xeon E5-2640

MSRP: $885|Avg: N/A

152%

#549

Xeon E5-2650L v2

MSRP: $4115|Avg: $1078

151%

#550

Xeon Platinum 8260L

MSRP: $7500|Avg: $750

145%

#551

Xeon Max 9480

MSRP: $12980|Avg: $12980

137%

#552

Xeon E5-2685 v3

MSRP: $2090|Avg: N/A

132%

#553

Xeon E5-2630 v2

MSRP: $1069|Avg: $1224

131%

#554

Xeon Platinum 8368Q

MSRP: $7719|Avg: $7719

129%

#555

Xeon Platinum 8280M

MSRP: $10009|Avg: $6223

129%

#556

Xeon L5430

MSRP: $390|Avg: $380

127%

#557

Xeon W-3245M

MSRP: $5002|Avg: $5002

122%

#558

Xeon X7550

MSRP: $1500|Avg: $1400

120%

#559

Xeon Platinum 8268

MSRP: $6302|Avg: N/A

119%

#560

Xeon L5640

MSRP: $996|Avg: N/A

100%

#561

Xeon Platinum 8270

MSRP: $7405|Avg: N/A

97%

#562

Xeon Platinum 8260M

MSRP: $7705|Avg: N/A

94%

#563

Xeon E5-4640

MSRP: $2725|Avg: N/A

55%

#564

Xeon E5-4655 v4

MSRP: $4616|Avg: N/A

50%

#565

Xeon E5-4650L

MSRP: $3616|Avg: N/A

50%

#566

Xeon L3110

MSRP: $1000|Avg: $950

30%

#567

Xeon X5355

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4000

11%

#568

Xeon E5420

MSRP: $7214|Avg: $6500

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon L5640 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon L5640 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon L5640 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.26 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,659, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon L5640
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.26 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	239 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,170 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,659

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon L5640 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3 1333 MHz (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 288 GB across 3 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

Specification	Xeon L5640
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1366
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3 1333 MHz
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	288 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	3
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Intel 5520,Intel X58
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🔧

Advanced Features

The Xeon L5640 is primarily designed for Server Low Power. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Xeon L5640
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Server Low Power
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon L5640 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 60 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon L5640
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	60 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $996, the Xeon L5640 delivers 5 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1919 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon L5640
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$996
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$200
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1919
Release DateLaunch date	16 March 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel